How many problems does the 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata have?

The 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata currently has 198 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata?

The most common problems reported for the 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2003 HYUNDAI Sonata comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2003 HYUNDAI Sonata Problems

AIR BAGS

35 complaints

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. WHEN RESET THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN.

Apr 30, 2019

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BUT THEY HAVE NOT DEPLOYED & NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, WIRING, ETC. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE ABS LIGHT ON, AS YOU WELL KNOW.

Apr 28, 2019

THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE AIR BAG IS ON AND DOESN'T GO AWAY. I HAD IT CHECK AND THERE IS NO CODE FOR IT SO THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSE THAT. I NEED A ANSWER BECAUSE I NEED TO HAVE INSPECT AND IS NOT GOING TO PASS.

Mar 18, 2017

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON

May 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

Mar 02, 2015

+ 30 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

23 complaints

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09V124000 NHTSA Action Number: EA08016 Recall calls for repair or replacement of front sub-frame, due to corrosion. Local dealer responded, “ . . . we will not be able to perform recall”. I was told the corrosion was too far gone to repair. They refuse to replace the defective part.

Jul 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,425. The contact stated that no assistance has been offered from the dealership from which the vehicle was purchased from.

Jul 18, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Nov 29, 2016

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA AFFECTED BY PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTING IN THINNING, RUSTING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION/RUST IS VISIBLE AND DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION & ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND ALSO HEAR NOISES & NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL.THESE SIGNALS ARE DETECTING THE CORROSION PROGRESSING AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHING FROM THE SUB-FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN NEBRASKA, AND HAS REMAINED IN NEBRASKA ITS ENTIRE LIFE. NEBRASKA USES SALT ON ITS ROADS IN THE SAME CAPACITY AS IOWA AND OTHER "SALT STATES". SUCH CARS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN CONSIDERING THE LACK OF SAFETY AND DANGERS INVOLVED WHEN THE SUBFRAME DETERIATES DUE TO DEFECTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SAID CAR. HYUNDAI SHOULD HONOR AND EXTEND THE RECALL OF SAID CAR IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA BECAUSE THE DEFECT IN THE SUBFRAME HAS BEEN AFFECTED IDENTICALLY AS IN OTHER "SALT STATES".

Oct 19, 2016

REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATE. IF THE TOP EDGE OF THE HANDLE HAS VERY THIN CHROME PLATING, THAT PORTION OF THE PLATING MAY WEAR AWAY MORE EASILY THAN MORE THICKLY PLATED AREAS AS THE DOOR HANDLE IS USED. THE WORN CHROME PLATING ON THE UPPER EDGE OF THE HANDLE MAY RESULT IN A CRACK OR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD SURFACES OF THE HANDLE, WHICH MAY FORM A SHARP EDGE. CONSEQUENCE: THIS MAY INFLICT LACERATION INJURIES TO ANYONE USING THE DOOR HANDLE. BASICALLY WHEN YOU GO TO USE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES THE PEELING CHROME IS SHARP AND CUTS YOUR FINGERS. HYUNDAI RECALL #93 ENDED IN MARCH 2003, MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2003. THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO THE MODELS IN RECALL #93.

Apr 12, 2016

Injuries: 6

+ 18 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 complaints

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST BUT NOW STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS INTERMITTENT. ALSO THE ANTENNA HAS NOW STOPPED GOING UP AND DOWN. *TR

May 18, 2010

CAR LOOSE POWER MOMENTARILY WHILE DRIVING, DOES NOT SHUT OFF. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

Oct 15, 2009

CAR HAS JUST OVER 62,000 MILES AND HAS HAD ALL MAINTENANCE COMPLETED ON TIME. LEAVING THE GYM I UNLOCKED MY DOORS USING THE REMOTE AND GOT IN. I STARTED THE CAR AND FIDDLED WITH THE RADIO FOR A COUPLE MINUTES BEFORE PULLING OUT. WHEN I GOT ON THE ROAD THE LOCKS ALL LOCKED (AS IF I HAD PRESSED THE REMOTE LOCKING BUTTON!). I PRESSED THE "UNLOCK" BUTTON ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ONLY TO HAVE THE ALARM GO OFF AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS COME ON AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. I PULLED OVER AND USED THE REMOTE TO LOCK THE CAR BACK AND UNLOCK IT AGAIN, AND THE ALARM STOPPED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT WILL NOT START. THE ENGINE WILL NOT EVEN TURN OVER OR TRY TO TURN WHEN I TRY TO START. THE DOME LIGHTS STAY ON SO I KNOW IT'S NOT THE BATTERY (WHICH IS BRAND NEW). I TRIED LEAVING IT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND STARTING AGAIN, BUT STILL NOTHING HAPPENED. I WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR

Jan 23, 2008

I BOUGHT MY HYUNDAI USED BECAUSE OF ALL THE GREAT RATINGS IT GOT. IT HAD ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON IT. NOT OLD AT ALL FOR ME. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO DEALER IT WAS BECAUSE OF BACK WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT STAYING ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING. THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR TWO DAYS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS FIXED BUT ON MY WAY HOME THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DID NOT WORK. TWO DAYS AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED WORKING AGAIN. THEN A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND MY CAR STARTED TO ACT UP AND WAS HESITATING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD IT TOWED TO HYUNDAI AND IT WAS KEPT FOR TWO DAYS AGAIN. I ALSO LET THE DEALER KNOW AT THAT TIME THAT THE CAR HAD ISSUES AND WAS ACTING UP, TOLD HIM ABOUT THE LIGHT ISSUE AGAIN AND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED ON AND OFF. THE DEALER SAID HE CHANGED THE SWITCH OUT, TUNED UP THE CAR, HAD THE INSIDE GAS FILTER CHANGED BECAUSE I ASKED FOR IT, AND WANTED TO SELL ME A $600 BELT. I ASKED HIM IF THE BELT WAS BROKEN HE TOLD HE THAT MANUFACTURE SUGGESTS CHANGING IT OUT AT 60000 MILES. I TOLD HIM THAT THE CAR DID NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES YET AND AGAIN ASKED IF THE BELT WAS BAD. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT BUT AGAIN SAID THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTS IT BE CHANGED. WELL I PERSONALLY DON'T SEE PAYING $600 FOR A BELT THAT WAS NOT BROKEN. IF ITS NOT BROKEN IT SHOULDN'T NEED TO BE FIXED.

Sep 12, 2007

THE CAR SEEMED TO BE DOING OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE. THEN.... I TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE YEARLY INSPECTION DONE AND IT FAILED. THE BACK PASSENGERS BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON NON- STOP. I AM GOING TO EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN. THE BACK BRAKE LIGHT IS ON WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVING BUT WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES THE SECONDARY LIGHT IS SUPPOSE TO COME ON AND MAKE IT BRIGHTER. THE LIGHT BULB IN THE BRAKE AREA HAD BOTH LOW AND HIGH LIGHT ON. I CHANGED OUT THE BULB TWICE THAT DAY THINKING MAYBE THE BULB IS BAD. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE PART THAT HOLDS THE BULB IT LOOKED BLACK LIKE IT WAS BURNING. STILL THE TWO LIGHTS STAYED ON. I TALKED TO MY FRIEND IN MICHIGAN WHO IS A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME IT SOUNDS AN ELECTRIC PROBLEM. THEN THE CAR ALSO STARTED TO DIE AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. I HAD TO HAVE IT JUMPED A COUPLE OF TIMES AND WHEN I HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED IT WAS FINE. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER AGAIN AND TOLD HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND THAT THE CAR WAS HAVING ELECTRIC ISSUES. I TOLD HIM I CHANGED THE BULB TWICE AND THAT THE PART THAT WAS HOLDING THE BULB WAS BLACK AND LOOKED LIKE IT WAS BURNING. GUESS WHAT... THEY KEPT IT FOR TWO DAYS. I CALLED THAT SAME DAY AND THE NEXT AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO GET TO IT BECAUSE THEY WERE TO BUSY. WHEN THEY FINALLY DID GET TO IT THE GUY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS JUST THE BULB. I ASKED HIM ABOUT THE BURNING PART AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS FINE. (CAR HAD ABOUT 59000 MILES ON IT) NOW PLEASE TELL ME HOW IT WAS JUST THE BULB WHEN I PUT TWO NOT JUST ONE BUT TWO IN AND IT DID NOT CHANGE. I ASKED IF HE HAD CHECKED THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM AND WAS TOLD ALL WAS FINE. HE ALSO SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO REASON FOUND AS TO WHY IT WOULD NOT START.

Sep 12, 2007

+ 8 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

12 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD REPROGRAM THE COMPUTERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Jun 15, 2011

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA EGR ISSUES (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 401)- I'VE BEEN HAVING PERSISTENT ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE'S EGR SYSTEM FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. I HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE EGR SYSTEM INCLUDING THE EGR VALVE, SOLENOID, ETC. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE OTHER PARTS THAT HAVE FAILED DUE TO THE MALFUNCTIONING EGR - IGNITION COILS, SPARK PLUGS. EVEN AFTER REPLACING ALL THESE PARTS, MY VEHICLE STILL COMPLAINS ABOUT THE EGR WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON (401). I HAVE ALSO BEEN GETTING VERY POOR MILEAGE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI ABOUT A TSB THEY SENT OUT TO DEALERS FOR EGR DIAGNOSIS. HYUNDAI DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE AND ASKED ME TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP DIRECTLY. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE + FEES FOR PARTS. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND SEVERAL CASES OF EGR MALFUNCTIONING WITH 2003 MODELS. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. *TR

Feb 21, 2011

WHILE DRIVING CAR JUST STOPS. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES BUT STARTS BACK UP ONCE YOU PUT IN PARK. HOWEVER THIS TIME IT STOP WHILE DRIVING AND DID NOT START BACK UP. THE FIRST IT HAPPEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. EVEN THOUGH THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS ON. NOW IT WILL NOT START AT ALL. *TR

Aug 10, 2009

WHILE DRIVING, UNDER MANY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS, MY HYUNDAI SONATA STALLS. IT HAS HAPPENED OVER A DOZEN TIMES. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I LET THE CAR SIT FOR A WHILE AND IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AGAIN. OCCASIONALLY I HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO OCCUR WHILE THE CAR HAS CRUISE CONTROL ON, EVEN WITHOUT IT BEING ENGAGED, JUST POWERED ON. *TR

Aug 31, 2007

THIS CAR PRESENTS WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHICH IS VERY DISTRESSING.ONCE IT BEGINS IT LASTS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES SOUNDING FOR LONG PERIODS AND AT TIMES SHORT BURSTS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN NEITHER IDENTIFIED OR RECTIFIED. UNTIL LAST NIGHT I HAVE BEEN ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN THIS SOUND PRESENTS. LAST NIGHT WHEN IT PRESENTED THERE WERE PASSENGERS PRESENT. ALTHOUGH THE CAR DID NOT FALTER IT WAS NONE THE LESS VERY DISTRESSING FOR MY PASSENGERS AND ME. WE TURNED OFF OUR CELL PHONES AND SHUT OFF THE RADIO TO NO AVAIL. WITH NO RESOLUTION OR INFORMATION AS TO WHAT IS THE CAUSE I AM LEFT WONDERING IF I AM DRIVING TOWARDS SOME MALFUNCTION. THIS CLICKING SOUND ALWAYS PRESENTS WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAYS AT FREEWAY SPEED.*AK

Aug 07, 2004

+ 7 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

9 complaints

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the suspension. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that due to the severe corrosion, the recall repair could not be performed. The mechanic at the dealer described the vehicle as being unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000

Sep 04, 2025

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that the front subframe was severely corroded. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced; however, the repair could not be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) because the parts had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jun 26, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS CORROSION TO THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SWAY BAR LINKAGE AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,077.

May 20, 2020

6-22-17 MY DAUGHTER WAS RETURN TO WORK IN HER 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, AS SHE WAS LEAVING AN ADJACENT PARKING LOT TO WHERE SHE PARKED, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL POPPED LOUDLY, THE CAR LOST POWER SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT A RELATIVE LOW SPEED. THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE SO I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. 6-24-17 I BEGIN TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED, I JACKED THE RT FRT END OFF THE GROUND AND BLOCKED IT UP. I FOUND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS SOMEWHAT LOOSE. IT WAS BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE RT SIDE SUBFRAME. I CAME IN THE HOUSE AND RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SONATA'S FROM 1999-2004 CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V12400, I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE 6-24-17 AROUND 12:30PM. I GAVE THE CAR INFO TO THE LADY AND SHE SAID ONLY AN A-C RECALL WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE CAR. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL AND GAVE THE NUMBER, SHE SAID NOT FOR MY CAR AND THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD OFFER. WHEN THE CONTROL ARM BROKE LOOSE FROM SUBFRAME IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO PULL OUT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL AND THAT WAS WHY IT LOST POWER. I ALSO FOUND THAT THE SUBFRAME IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH AND WEAK.

Jun 24, 2017

SUBFRAME RUSTING SO MUCH THAT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WON'T LET ME TAKE IT OUT.

Oct 24, 2016

+ 4 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

9 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *TT *TR

Mar 27, 2018

Fire: 1

I WAS INFORMED THIS MODEL HAS A SAFETY VALVE IN THE GAS FILLER NECK THAT WILL PREVENT THE GAS FROM LEAKING OUT SHOULD THE VEHICLE OVERTURN. MY VALVE MUST BE STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION SINCE I CAN ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK EVERY ONE-THIRD OF A GALLON BEFORE THE GAS DISPENSER SHUTS OFF. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT 10 SECONDS FOR IT TO SEEP INTO THE TANK BEFORE I CAN CONTINUE TO PUMP. FILLING MY 17 GAL TANK TAKES ABOUT 10-12 MINUTES WITH MOST OF THE TIME JUST WAITING FOR THE GAS TO SEEP INTO THE TANK. HYUNDAI WANTS OVER $600 TO REPAIR. UNACCEPTABLE SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR

Sep 30, 2013

WHEN TRYING TO FUEL VEHICLE THE NOZZLE WILL CLICK OFF AT 1 OR 2 GALLONS. I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY TAKE THE NOZZLE OUT AND KEEP TRYING TO REFUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY DROPPED THE GAS TANK AND DID SOMETHING. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND WENT TO REFUEL AND THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXIST. JUST OUT OF MONEY. I SEE THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Nov 14, 2011

FUELING PROBLEMS. ON NEAR EMPTY FUEL TANK THE FUELING HOSE WILL AUTO SHUT OFF AFTER 1 TO 2 GALLONS. I HAVE TO REPEAT START THE FUELING AND IT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF AFTER ENTERING A GALLON OR TWO. HAVE TO GAUGE WHEN TANK IS NEAR FULL WHICH CAN CAUSE A FUEL SPILL IF OVERESTIMATING AND NOT BEING FILL IF UNDERESTIMATING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT PUMPS THAT HAVE THE NEWER NOZZLE. THIS IS THE FIRST SUMMER FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE HEAT WITH THE NEWER NOZZLES..

Aug 17, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL WOULD SPILL OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR EVEN IF THE FUEL TANK WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW THE FUEL TO ENTER THE FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Jul 14, 2011

+ 4 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

9 complaints

WHEN COMING TO A STOP CAR FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO TAKE OFF. *TR

Nov 24, 2009

CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER AND THEN JERKS BACK ON. ONLY LASTS ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH AROUND 13000 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES DURING THE 8 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. DEALER SAYS WITHOUT A TROUBLE LIGHT/ERROR CODE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *NM

Oct 26, 2006

WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAR EXPERIENCES QUICK POWER SURGES. VISITED DEALERSHIP ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THAT THEIR COMPUTERS FIND NO PROBLEM. MECHANIC SAYS " PERHAPS THERE IS A PART TRYING TO GO BAD, BUT HASN'T COMMITTED ITSELF YET" WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? IF YOU ARE JUST BROWSING THIS SITE, DO NOT BUY HYUNDAI! *JB

Aug 11, 2004

MY CAR IS 8 MONTHS OLD WITH 9300 MILES, AND I HAD TO PUT ANOTHER TRANSMISSION IN..THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMED HE PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN, WHEN IN FACT HE PUT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN. THIS HAPPENED 2 WEEKS AGO. THEN YESTERDAY (04-13-04) MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW SPEED SENSOR. WHAT GIVES? DON'T THEY KEEP PARTS IN STOCK. I PHONED THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AND ASKED IF THEY HAD THIS SENSOR IN STOCK AND THEY SAID YES. I ALSO CALLED ANOTHER DEALER IN THE NEXT TOWN AND WAS TOLD THEY ALSO HAD THE PART. SO WHY DID MY DEALER LIE TO ME..

Apr 14, 2004

ABOUT ONCE A MONTH I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JERKS LIKE IT COMES OUT OF GEAR FOR A SPLIT SECOND FOR NO APPARENT REASON.. IT ONLY HAPPENS ABOVE 55 MPH OR MORE.*AK

Feb 18, 2004

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, RIGHT REAR DISC BRAKE BROKE AT 24,000 MILES - WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WE WERE TOLD THAT BECAUSE WE DID NOT HAVE THE CAR SERVICED AT THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY WAS VOID - VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED EVERY 5000 MILES PLUS A YEARLY NY STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED - THE DEALER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUE TO HAVE THE BRAKE 'SLIDERS' GREASED EVERY 15,000 MILES THAT THE WARRANTY WAS VOID - OUR SERVICE MANUAL FOR OUR VEHICLE DOES NOT STATE THAT THIS IS NEEDED - THE ON LINE SERVICE INFORMATION DIRECT FROM HYUNDAI DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THIS IS NEEDED NOR IS IT EVER RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THAT SERVICE DONE - THE DEALER SAID THAT WE WERE TO BLAME BECAUSE WE FAILED TO HAVE THE BRAKE 'SLIDERS' GREASED EVEN THOUGHT IT IS NOT MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED ANYWHERE THAT ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC CAN VIEW. *JB

Aug 02, 2006

DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. SHE HEARD NOISES, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS NOISES COMING FROM THE ROADWAY. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS WAS AT 13,873 MILE. , THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE GLAZED AND HAD HOT SPOTS ON THEM. THE SERVICE DEALER TURNED THE ROTORS WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S KNOWLEDGE. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. AT 28,000 MILES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SUCH AS AN AIRPLANE GOING OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $25.00 PER WHEEL TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO HAD LUBRICATED THE FRONT BRAKE SLIDES AND REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS. THIS DID SEEM TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE THE 30,000 MILE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO REIMBURSE THE CONTACT FOR THE REPAIRS.*AK

Sep 14, 2005

I PURCHASED A 2003 DEMO HYUNDAI SONATA IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTHS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY I EXPERIENCED A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AND A FEELING AS IF THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS INTO OWNERSHIP I EXPERIENCED A LOAD NOISE WHEN TURNING AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND MY RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS SHOT. THEY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT THERE IS STILL A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AND I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A STRONG VIBRATION UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED NEW PADS AND ROTORS ALL THE WAY AROUND. I SAID THE CAR IS FAIRLY NEW AND I SHOULD NOT BE NEEDING NEW BRAKES ALL THE WAY AROUND JUST YET. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER VIEWING CARSTATS WEB SITE I BECAME AWARE THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AS WELL AS WITH THE HESITATION AND THE FEELING AS IF THE CAR IS ABOUT TO STAHL. THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE MULITFACETED, WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE AS A CONSUMER?*AK

Jul 31, 2004

AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN CONSUMER PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENED VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS LOST OF VACUUM TO THE POWER BOOSTER. THE CAUSE WAS A BLOCKAGE IN THE VACUUM HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK *JB

Apr 20, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPEED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Feb 06, 2004

+ 3 more complaints for this component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

6 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED TO DETERIORATE AND BECAME SHARP TO THE TOUCH. HE RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS FINGERS AFTER OPENING THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.

Mar 31, 2011

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. HE RECEIVED RECALL 09V171000 PERTAINING TO RUST ON THE FRAME. HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE METHOD USED TO CORRECT THE RECALL REPAIR. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PLACED STICKERS ON THE DOOR HANDLE AND THAT THEY WERE UNFOLDING DUE TO THE TEMPERATURE IN HIS STATE. HE ALSO STATED THAT SINCE THE STICKERS WERE METALLIC, THEY COULD POSSIBLY CUT YOU IF HANDLED INCORRECTLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE WILLING TO ASSIST ANY FURTHER AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SIMPLY REMOVE THE STICKERS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THEIR RESPONSE. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,782.

Dec 07, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDIA SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE INTERIOR FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHROME DOOR HANDLE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND BEGAN TO SEPARATE. THERE WAS ALSO A SHARP EDGE ON THE CHROME PLATE SURFACE. A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO A FINGER ON THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE RECALL REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND DID NOT ADDRESS THE RECALL DEFECT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Oct 21, 2009

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE THE DEALER REPAIRED RECALL #09V171000, COMPONENT: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH HYUNDAI RECALL# 093. THE REPAIR CONSISTED OF PLACING A PLASTIC COVER ON THE DOOR HANDLE. THE MILEAGE WAS 42,193.

Aug 24, 2009

ALL DOOR LATCHES ARE PEELING AND CAN CAUSE A CUT. *TR

Jun 24, 2009

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE, FRONT BRAKES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT... WAS TOLD TECH WOULDN'T TOUCH EVAP CANISTER OR PURGE VALVE BECAUSE FUEL LINES WERE TOO CORRODED IN THE VICINITY OF THE NEEDED REPAIR THAT THEY MAY FRACTURE... THIS CAR IS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD... COINCIDENTLY MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HAD A 2004 HYUNDAI XG350L IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THEY WERE LEAKING AND SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE D/T THE COST OF REPAIRS... I TOO AM NOW FACED WITH REPLACING MY VEHICLE D/T HIGH REPAIR COSTS... I HAVE DRIVEN MANY AUTOMOBILES, OF NOTE A 1967 VW BEETLE (DURING THE YEARS 1997 THRU 2002) IN CHICAGO WITH THE SNOW AND SALT AND NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH CORROSION OF ANY LINES AND I DID ALL THE WORK ON THAT CAR! IT WAS CLEAN... WHAT MATERIALS IS HYUNDAI USING FOR IT'S FUEL LINES AND FUEL TANKS THAT THEY ARE CORRODING/RUSTING OUT... MY CAR, THE 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS 100% GARAGE KEPT!

Feb 02, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE SPILLED OUT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY VALVE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Nov 03, 2015

I WAS INFORMED THIS VEHICLE HAS A ONE-WAY SAFETY VALVE IN THE FUEL FILLER NECK THAT WHEN WORKING PROPERLY WILL PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING SHOULD THERE BE A ROLL OVER. THIS VALVE MUST BE STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION SINCE IF CAUSES A SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTION WHEN FUELING THE CAR. WHEN FUELING THE CAR, FUEL DOES NOT FLOW PROPERLY AND ONLY ACCEPTS HALF GALLON AT A TIME BEFORE THE FUEL HANDLE SHUTS OFF. THEN I MUST WAIT FOR THE GAS IN THE FILLER NECK TO DROP BEFORE I CAN CONTINUE TO FUEL VEHICLE AND THEN CONTINUALLY REPEAT THIS PROCESS. THOUGH VERY TIME CONSUMING TO FILL IT UP, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE VALVE DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST OVER $600 TO REPLACE THIS VALVE AND I WOULD THINK IT SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAS NO CONTROL THAT WOULD INFLUENCE THE VALVE'S PROPER FUNCTIONALITY. *TR

Nov 13, 2014

I WAS HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY GETTING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN ANNAPOLIS, MD. THEY REPLACED THE VALVE-CANISTER CL, CANISTER ASSY., AND VALVE-PURGE CONTR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE ISSUE HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I TOOK IT BACK AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT OTHER PARTS THEY MAY HAVE REPLACED BECAUSE I NEVER AGAIN RECEIVED ANY PAPER WORK. WHEN I PICKED IT UP AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO PUT GAS IN IT, BUT IT WAS LEAKING FUEL ALL OVER THE ROAD AFTERWARDS. THEY HAD PUNCTURED A HOLE IN MY GAS TANK WHILE WORKING ON IT. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY A MONTH & FOUR TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS ALL RESOLVED. AND THEN ON AUG. 4, 2014 I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP & FUEL STARTED LEAKING IN THE DRIVEWAY AGAIN. WHATEVER THEY PATCHED THE HOLE IN THE GAS TANK WITH INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT, HAD BLOWN. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ON AUG. 5, 2014. WHEN THE NEW SERV. MNGR. FINALLY AGREED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE ON AUG. 12, 2014, HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS IN FACT THEIR FAULT & THAT HE WOULD ORDER A NEW GAS TANK & IT WOULD ARRIVE IN 3-5 BUSINESS. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE PARTS THAT I HAD ALREADY PAID FOR BACK IN FEB. I TOLD HIM THEY ALREADY REPLACED THEM & HE SIMPLY SAID OK & SCRATCHED THEM OFF THE ESTIMATE OF WHICH HE WILL NOT PROVIDE ME A COPY OF. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAS TANK. I EMAILED THE SERV. MNGR. & COPIED THE CEO YESTERDAY HOPING THIS MIGHT INCITE A RESPONSE. THE ASSIST. SERV. MNGR. EMAILED ME THIS MORNING & ASKED ME IF I COULD DROP IT OFF NEXT WED. I TOLD HIM I HAD 2 APPT.'S THAT DAY & COULD ONLY DO SO IF THEY COULD PROVIDE ME WITH A VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS WELL FROM ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET SEARCHING FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR HYUNDAI'S. *TR

Aug 29, 2014

LIKE MANY OTHER COMPLAINANTS, FOR THE PAST MONTH, I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS FILLING UP MY GAS TANK. AFTER ONLY 1 GALLON OR LESS, THE PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. IT HAS TAKEN ME APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES JUST TO PUT 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN MY VEHICLE. WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED, GAS OVERFLOWED AND SPILLED ON MY SHOES, MY CAR, AND THE GROUND. THINKING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PUMP, I WENT TO A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IN VIEWING FORUMS THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT'S BEEN ONGOING FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW FOR THIS CAR MODEL. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR GAS TO OVERFLOW ONTO A PERSON AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. *TR

Mar 12, 2013

STEERING

5 complaints

RETURN POWER STEERING LINE STARTED LEAKING. VEHICLE WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. ALL FLUID DRAINED OUT.*TT

Apr 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELDING THAT WAS HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL TOGETHER BROKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Sep 15, 2011

WHILE DRIVING I REALIZED THE STEERING WAS GETTING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN UPON PULLING ASIDE I NOTICED A FLUID LEAKING NEAR THE RIGHT AXEL UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I REALIZED THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. I REFILLED IT AND TURNED THE STEERING AND THE FLUID JUST GUSHED OUT. IF I CONTINUED DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF I DID NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY AS THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFFER AND STIFFER, THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING LINE FAILED IN NEW YORK DUE TO RUSTING. THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS $120 AND LABOR AN ADDITIONAL $200. THE MECHANIC SAID HE REPAIRED MANY FAILURES LIKE THIS IN NY. EVEN THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY MADE ALOT OF SALES OF THIS LINE BECAUSE IN NY THE SALT FROM THE ROADS IN WINTER CAUSE RAPID CORROSION OF THE PARTS, I THINK THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SUBFRAME ISSUE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT TO SAVE EVEN ONE LIFE. *TR

Feb 02, 2010

WE PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA (BASE MODEL) AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. WE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK AND AGAIN NOTED THAT IT STILL PULLED TO THE RIGHT. RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THIS TIME THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM OUR COMPLAINT. WE WERE TOLD THAT VEHICLE NORMALLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT UPON ACCELERATION AND THAT THE DESIGN OF THE ROADS CAUSED IT TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AS WELL. *NLM

Dec 03, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER. DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Dec 03, 2003

Crash: 1

STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 complaints

THE CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVER SIDE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND SEPARATED. MY WIFE CUT HER FINGER ON THE CRACKED CHROME PLATING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL (I.E., NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V171000). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE CAN BE RECALLED WHILE OTHERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL ARE NOT. *TR

Mar 02, 2013

VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 2009 (PE08071) DUE TO DEFECTIVE CHROME ON DOOR HANDLES. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, CHROME WAS REPAIRED AS IT HAD CAUSED A SMALL LACERATION. CHROME IS AGAIN DEFECTIVE, CAUSED LACERATION ON HAND AGAIN TODAY WHEN ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR. THIS OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH IS VERY RARELY USED. CHROME IS ALSO PEELING OFF OF EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE, RISKING FURTHER LACERATION. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP (GO HYUNDAI - 104TH & FEDERAL, WESTMINSTER, CO), DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NO LONGER COVERED AS THEY DO NOT WARRANTY THE WORK DONE AS PART OF A RECALL. IN ADDITION, CAR IS TOO OLD FOR IT TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR DOES CONTINUE TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN ONLY. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ON ANY MODEL OF CAR REGARDLESS OF AGE. THIS APPEARS TO BE UNIQUE TO HYUNDAI. *JS

Jun 08, 2012

CHROME ON INTERIOR - DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS ERUPTED IN ONE SPOT PRODUCING A PIERCING SHARP NEEDLE-POINT WHICH CAN PIERCE THE FINGER OR HAND WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. CARE IS REQUIRED TO AVOID SKIN PIERCING INJURY. *KB

Jul 18, 2011

I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CHROME PLATES ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND BEGAN TO SEPARATE. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BOTH CUT OUR FINGERS ON THE CRACKED CHROME PLATE. WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL. HYUNDAI RECALL ONLY VEHICLE PRODUCE IN 2002- 2003 MARCH, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCE IN 2003 APRIL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE WITH A PROBLEM CAN BE RECALLED, AND THE OTHER IN SAME YEAR AND MODEL WITH SAME PROBLEM IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR

Feb 23, 2011

MY WIFE AND I HAVE BOTH CUT OUR HANDS ON THE CHROME INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF OUR 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER , LAFONTAINE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP , IN DEARBORN,MI. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE WITH A PROBLEM CAN BE RECALLED, AND ANOTHER WITH OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME. I HAVE PICTURES THAT I WILL TRY TO SEND TO THE WEB SITE, IF I CAN'T I DO HAVE THEM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. *TR

Dec 08, 2010

Injuries: 2

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 21, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V171000 COMPONENT(S): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES SIMILAR ISSUE IS HAPPENING IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLE. A CHILD IN MY BACK SEAT JUST SLICED THEIR HAND WITH A 2" INCH CUT AND WE HAD 3 OTHERS SLICE THEIR HAND ON THE FRONT DOOR HANDLE (WE TAPED THIS) BUT WAS NOT AWARE OF BACK SEAT NOR RECALL TILL TODAY. VERY CONCERNED AS TO SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN BACK SEAT. I ONLY REALIZED THIS HAPPENED TO ALL DOOR HANDLES AND THEIR HAD EVEN BEEN A RECALL AS THE PARENT OF THE INJURED CHILD SAID THEIR CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. I CALLED HYUNDAI 4/13/2016 TO DISCUSS AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. ALL CHROME IS PEELING FROM TOP OF HANDLE AT THE SEAM ON ALL 4 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES.

Apr 13, 2016

Injuries: 4

MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RECALL IN WHICH THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE PEELING AND THE TOP EDGE BECOMES SHARP - I TAPED OVER THE TOP SO I WOULDN'T CUT MY HANDS IN THE MEANTIME: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 09V171000 / HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 093. I BROUGHT IT FOR SERVICE AT MOTORWORLD HYUNDAI IN WILKES BARRE, PA AND THEY VERIFIED ALL DOOR HANDLES WERE PEELING. THE INITIAL RECALL REPAIR FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS PERFORMED ON 11/11/2009, BUT CLEARLY THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS IT RECURRED. MOTORWORLD TOLD ME THEY HAD TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CORPORATE FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE REPAIR. I WAS CALLED BACK AND TOLD THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR PARTS BUT NOT LABOR. THIS SURPRISED ME, AS A SAFETY RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE 4 TIMES, ON 1/20, 1/27, 2/10, AND 2/18 OF 2016 AND EACH TIME I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK, WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. I THEN CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY FOR ADVICE AND THEY TOLD ME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD BE PAYING THE ENTIRETY OF THE COSTS FOR ALL SAFETY RECALLS. I CALLED AGAIN ON 3/7 AND STATED THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I CAN'T PROCEED WITH THE ATTORNEY SINCE THAT WOULD COST ME MONEY I DO NOT HAVE. WHAT CAN I DO? IT HAS BEEN 47 DAYS SINCE I FIRST BROUGHT THIS SAFETY RECALL PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF HYUNDAI AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO ASSIST ME IN ANY CAPACITY.

Mar 07, 2016

HYUNDAI HAS A RECALL, #73999, EFFECTIVE 4/9/2004, FOR DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES WHERE THE COVERING PEELS/SPLINTERS OFF LEAVING THE OCCUPANTS SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE LACERATIONS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS OCCURRING ALTHOUGH WE WERE UNAWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL RECENTLY.THE HYUNDAI SUPPORT LINE 1-800-633-5151 TELLS US NO SUCH RECALL IS APPLICABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. WE GIFTED THIS CAR TO MY SENIOR MOTHER-IN-LAW ([XXX]). ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LICENSED /TITLED/REGISTERED IN HER NAME IT IS STILL LISTED UNDER OUR NAME W/HYUNDAI. THE SURFACE OF THE HANDLES IS AS SHARP AS RAZOR BLADES. WE'D LIKE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED BEFORE SHE HURTS HERSELF. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jan 10, 2015

THE CHROME PAINT ON THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES SPLIT AND BECAME VERY SHARP. THEY CUT MY HAND ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. *JB

Feb 22, 2006

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELTS

4 complaints

BELT GETS STUCK, JAMMED, DOUBLED OVER JAMMED, IN BELT GUIDE ATTACHED TO CAR (PILLAR) ABOVE SHOULDER. BELT CAN NOT RETRACT TO SNUG POSITION. THIS DEFEATS PURPOSE OF HAVING SEAT BELT. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. IT IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO UNRAVEL TO GET BELT TO WORK PROPERLY. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND SHE HAS STOPPED TELLING ME ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND DRIVES AROUND WITH BELT IN JAMMED POSITION. *TR

Nov 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WOULD LOCK THE SEAT BELTS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT RELEASE THE SEAT BELT AROUND THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 7/16/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE INTERNAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS. UPDATED 07/21/10.*JB

May 14, 2010

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS UP AND CONTINUES TO TIGHTEN AT EACH BRAKING, NEVER RELEASING CAUSING PAIN TO PASSENGER AND AN UNSAFE CONDITION OF HAVING TO UNBUCKLE SAFETY BELT WHILE IN MOTION TO RELIEVE INCREASING PRESSURE ON PASSENGER. DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK AT HARD BRAKING AT ALL. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WAS SOLD 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE ADDING TO PROBLEMS GETTING DEFECTS CORRECTED. NEW DEALER, POWAY MITSUBISHI-HYUNDAI SERVICED VEHICLE ON 11/19/2003. TO CORRECT PROBLEM AND OTHER ISSUES (INVOICE #22524) BUT DID NOT CORRECT THEM. BOTH DEALERS HAVE BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE WHEN ADDRESSING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *LA

Nov 21, 2003

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM

May 23, 2003

TIRES,WHEELS

4 complaints

WHEN I REPLACED THE TIRES WITH THE SPECIFIED SIZE TIRE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 23,000 MILES, I HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE HUBCAPS SHIFTING AND SHEARING OFF THE VALVE STEM. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP (BF GOODRICH TIRES) AND THEY TRIED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD THEM IT WAS THE TIRES, BUT THAT WAS ILLOGICAL. THEY WOUND UP PUTTING METAL STEMS ON ALL FOUR TIRES AS IT WAS HAPPENING ON THE FRONT TIRES BUT ROTATION WOULD REQUIRE METAL STEMS IN ALL TIRES. THIS KEPT THE HUB CAPS FROM SHEARING THE STEM, BUT THE CAPS WOULD SLIDE UP OVER THE STEMS SO AS TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO CHECK THE AIR IN MY TIRES. FINALLY AFTER ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF OF HEADACHE, I FINALLY BOUGHT NEW WHEELS FOR THE CAR. THIS COMPLETELY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. HYUNDAI WOULD NEVER ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO TELL US THAT THE TIRES WERE WRONG. LIKE OTHERS HAVE STATED, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT STATES THAT ONE HAS TO BUY MICHELIN TIRES. WHEN I FINALLY BOUGHT THE NEW WHEELS, THE TIRE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO MOUNT THE NEW TIRES ON THE OLD RIMS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND THE TIRE COULD NOT BE MOUNTED ON THE RIM AND HOLD AIR. THERE VERY DEFINITELY IS A PROBLEM WITH THOSE WHEELS BUT HYUNDAI NEVER WOULD ADMIT IT AND ONLY OFFERED TO BUY A NEW SET OF HUB CAPS WHICH DID THE EXACT SAME THING. I LIKE THE WHEELS I BOUGHT BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO BUY THEM. HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE WHEELS ON THE CAR. I EXPERIENCED FIVE FLATS ON THE FRONT END OF MY CAR BEFORE THE METAL STEMS WERE PUT IN. VERY POOR DESIGN ON THE WHEELS. *TR

Sep 16, 2008

THE WHEEL COVERS ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA ARE MOVING ON THE RIMS OF MY TIRES CAUSING THE TIRE VALVE STEMS TO FLATTEN AND EVENTUALLY WEAR THROUGH CAUSING SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE. I HAVE HAD TWO (2) SUDDEN TIRE VALVE FAILURES SINCE PURCHASING FOUR NEW UNIROYAL TIGER PAW 205/65R15 TIRES FROM B.J.'S WHOLESALE CLUB ON MAY 7. 2005. THE TIRES I BOUGHT WERE THE EXACT SIZE SPECIFIED FOR MY CAR IN THE B'J'S TIRE CATALOG AND MY OWNER'S MANUAL. THE HYUNDAI DEALER TRIED PUTTING ON NEW WHEEL COVERS BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. LATER THEY SAID THAT THE TIRES WERE STICKING OUT TOO FAR OVER THE RIMS, CAUSING THEM TO BE IN CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL COVER, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL COVERS TO MOVE AND FLATTEN THE VALVE STEMS. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE TIRES WERE THE RIGHT SIZE BUT SAID THEY WERE SOMEHOW DIFFERENT FROM THE TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE HYUNDAI OWNER'S MANUAL WHICH SPECIFIES ANY PARTICULAR TIRE OR BRAND OF TIRE, OR WHICH STATES THAT CERTAIN TIRES CANNOT BE USED. THE ONLY SPECIFICATION IS THE SIZE, WHICH IS 205/65R15, EXACTLY WHAT I PURCHASED. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING. AT THE DEALER'S SUGGESTION, I AM DRIVING WITHOUT THE WHEEL COVERS. EVEN IF I BUY ANOTHER SET OF TIRES, HOW DO I KNOW THEY WON'T CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM? *NM HYUNDAI ADMITTED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE THIS PROBLEM BUT WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *SC

Nov 29, 2005

HUBCAPS ON 2003 SONATA SLIDE AROUND PINCHING VALVE STEMS. THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN I REPLACED TIRES FROM MICHELIN TO BF GOODRICH . TIRES ARE PROPER SIZE .THIS PROBLEM OF THE HUBCAPS SHIFTING HAPPENS DAILY AS I HAVE TO REMOVE HUBCAPS AND STRAIGHTEN. HAVE NOW REMOVED HUBCAPS PERMANENTLY FOR SAFETY REASONS. HAVE HAD ONE BLOW-OUT DUE TO STEM BEING TWISTED. NUMBER OF FAILURES BELOW ARE ESTIMATED BUT THE HUBCAPS UNTIL RECENTLY WERE OUT OF POSITION DAILY. DATE OF BLOW-OUT BELOW IS ESTIMATED SOMEONE AROUND THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST. *JB

Nov 21, 2005

IN APR 04 I PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. INSIDE OF THIRTY DAYS, I HAD THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE GO FLAT WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER TO CHANGE THE FLAT. I WENT BACK TO NATIONAL TIRE & BATTERY (NTB) WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE TIRES. THEY COULD NOT FIND AN OBVIOUS CAUSE FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE TIRE, AND THREE DAYS LATER, THE TIRE WENT FLAT AGAIN WHILE TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY. I EXPIRENCED TWO MORE FLAT TIRES ON THE SAME WHEEL WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, AND THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS BEING CUT BY THE HUBCAP. NTB SUGGESTED THAT I GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION. I WENT TO POHANKA IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE HUBCAP WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE TIRE WHEN THERE SHOULD BE A SMALL GAP SEPARATING THE TWO. THE SUGGESTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP WAS TO CHANGE THE TIRE OR REPLACE THE RIM. I WENT BACK TO NTB, AND THEY CONFERRED WITH BF GOODRICH, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE, AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I GO BACK TO THE STOCK TIRE THAT WAS ON THE CAR. I HAD ALSO FILED A CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI, AND THEIR SUGGESTION WAS THE SAME. MY PROBLEM WITH ALL OF THIS, IS FIRST, I SELECTED A TIRE THAT WAS THE PROPER SIZE FOR MY CAR (BF GOODRICH TRACTION T/A 205/65R15). NOWHERE HAD IT BEEN INDICATED BY HYUNDAI OR BFGOODRICH THAT THE SELECTED TIRE WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR MY VEHICLE. SECONDLY, MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS BECAME ENDANGERED BY THIS PROBLEM. THIRDLY, I AM BEING FORCED TO MAKE TIRE SELECTION, BECAUSE NEITHER HYUNDAI, NOR BF GOODRICH HAVE PROVIDED LIMITING INFORMATION ON THE TIRES THAT WILL PROPERLY FUNCTION WITH MY CAR. THIS IS SERIOUS AND NEEDS IMMEDIATED ATTENTION BY SOMEONE, BEFORE THERE IS LOSS OF LIFE OR SERIOUS INJURY TO SOMEONE BECAUSE HYUNDAI'S HUBCAP FOR THE SONATA IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE TIRE SIZE THAT IT HAS INDICATED WITHIN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE LABEL ON THE CAR.*AK

Jun 10, 2004

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

I FORGET THE DATE, HOWEVER, IT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2008. IT WAS HEAVILY RAINING AND AS ME AND MY FRIENDS WERE ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FOR RANDOM SHENANIGANS, MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *TR

Sep 10, 2008

ABOUT FEBRUARY 2004, TWO MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR THE WINDSHIELD SEAL POPED UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF DRIVERS SIDE. DEALERSHIP PLACED A NEW WINDSHIELD AND SEALED IT BACK. A MONTH LATER THE SEAL CAME OFF AGAIN ON THE SAME SIDE. I WENT BACK, THIS TIME THEY JUST RESEALED IT. THEN, MY SUNROOF BEGAN TO LEAK,THROUGH THE CEILING LIGHTS, I WENT BACK AGAIN, THEY LOOKED IT UP SAYING ITS NOTHING-VENTS NEEDS TO BE CLEARED UP. AFTER THAT PROCEDURE MY WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO LEAK!NOW AFTER EACH TIME IT RAINS, INSIDE OF MY CAR ACCUMULATES WATER-MY RADIO/CD BUTTONS FAILED TO WORK ANYMORE, PLUS THE INTERIOR STARTS TO GET RUINED BY WATER SPOTS. ITS A PROBLEM TO ME , NOT ONLY BECAUSE I'M LEASING THE CAR, BUT 'CAUSE IT TAKES AWAY MY MILLAGE GOING BACK AND FORTH TO FIX IT, PLUS MY TIME. PS. I HAVE A SLIGHT PROBLEM, AT THE TIME OF PURCHISING THE CAR, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS LEASED TO ONE OWNER (YEAR BEFORE ME), BUT I WENT TO CARFAX.COM AND FOUND OUT IT WAS NOT ONLY LEASED TO TWO OTHER PEOPLE, BUT IT WAS USED AS A RENTAL CAR AT THE VERY BEGINNING. IF I HAD KNOWN THOSE FACTS AS I WAS BUYING THE CAR, I WOULD HAVE NEVER SIGNED PAPERS FOR IT. WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE DEALERS WITH THIS INFORMATION, THEY TOLD ME IT WASNT A BIG DEAL AND THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. I PERSONALY DO NOT LIKE TO FIX PROBLEMS ON THIS "NEW" CAR OF MINE, AFTER OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, I HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SOON. *AK

Aug 01, 2004

THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS TOO BIG AND OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW OF THE CONSUMER. TWO ACCIDENTS ALMOST OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN INFORMED.*AK

Oct 07, 2003

CONSUMER STATED REAR VIEW MIRROR GIVES POOR VISIBILITY DUE TO MIRROR NOT BEING ADJUSTABLE.*AK

Sep 29, 2003

WHEELS

4 complaints

1.) DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 2.) VALVE STEM CUT, LEADING TO DEFLATION OF TIRE. HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO HAVE A WRECK ON THE INTERSTATE. 3.) I HAD TO HAVE UPWARD TO 12 TIRES FIXED OR REPLACED ON THE FRONT END OF MY CAR DURING 1 YEAR. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE TIRE COMPANY TOLD ME TO TAKE OFF MY HUB CAPS (ORIGINAL TO THE CAR) TO SEE IF IT HELPED. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD NO MORE FLATS. *NM

Dec 03, 2006

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA HAD TO FLAT TIRES DUE TO THE WHEEL COVERS ROTATING AND CUTTING OR PIERCING THE VALVE STEMS. *TS *JB

Feb 16, 2006

I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. A PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED RECENTLY IN WHICH MY HUBCAPS ARE ROTATING ON THE WHEEL AND CUTTING THE TIRE STEMS THUS RESULTING IN BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRE GOING FLAT AT ONCE. I REPORTED THIS THRU THE HYUNDAI COMPLAINT HOTLINE. THEY THOUGHT I WAS NUTS. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND OTHER SONATA OWNERS WITH SIMILIAR PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REPORTED THIS TO THE HYUNDAI COMPLAINT HOTLINE WITH SIMILAR UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE LAST OCCUARANCE THAT THIS HAPPENED WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 75 IN OHIO. AFTER A "HARD BRAKE" BOTH FRONT HUBCAPS ROTATED AND CUT BOTH HUBCAPS AT ONCE RESULTING IN A DUAL FLATS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Jun 26, 2005

SOMETHING IS CUTTING THE STEM AND THE TIRE AROUND THE STEM AREA. TWICE THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE. THE PROBLEM IS STILL RECURRING. THE DEALER HAS PASSED THIS INFORMATION OVER TO THE MANUFACTURER. *NM THE CONSUMER INDICATED THA THE HUB CAP CUT THE TIRE AND VALVE STEM. HERE HAS BEEN 3 STEMS CUT ALL ON THE FRONT TIRES. *BF *NM

Apr 18, 2005

TIRES

4 complaints

I AM EXPERIENCING THE VALVE STEM/TIRE ISSUES IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED. I HAVE HAD 2 FLAT TIRES SINCE JULY AND BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE VALVE STEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A HYUNDAI ISSUE AND THAT WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THE HUBCAP SPINS AND EVENTUALLY "SNAPS" OFF THE VALVE STEM. I HAVE CALLED 2 DIFFERENT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND THEY BOTH DENIED THAT IT WAS A HYUNDAI ISSUE. THEY BOTH CLAIMED THAT I PROBABLY HAVE THE WRONG SIZE TIRE ON THE CAR. I FELT LIKE MY ISSUE WAS DISMISSED BOTH TIMES. THE TIRES ON THE CAR ARE THE EXACT SIZE AS REFERENCED IN MY OWNERS MANUAL. I WAS TOLD THAT REPLACING THE TIRES TO A "SPECIFIC BRAND" WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SO YESTERDAY, I BOUGHT 2 NEW TIRES AFTER I COULD NO LONGER KEEP AIR IN THE FRONT TIRES FOR MORE THAN 6 HOURS. WHEN THEY REMOVED THE HUBCAPS, THEY SAID THAT THE TIRES DEFLATED ON THEIR OWN, THROUGH THE VALVE STEMS. I CAME ONLINE TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THE ISSUE AND SAW AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION THAT HAS JUST BEGUN AND THOUGHT IT BEST TO LODGE A COMPLAINT. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ALL OF THE REPAIRS AND NEW TIRES IF THIS IS NEEDED. *JB

Nov 22, 2005

I PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA IN JUNE 2003. AT 18,000 I HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT TIRES DUE TO WEAR. I HAD THE CORRECT SIZE MOUNTED AND IT WENT FLAT APPROXIMATELY 5-6 TIMES. MY DEALER KEPT SAYING IT WAS THE TIRE DEALERS FAULT HOWEVER, IF THE CORRECT SIZE TIRE IS USED IT COULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. CAR DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT UNTIL ABOUT THE FIFTH TIME. I BECAME IRATE AND THEY TOOK IT IN. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WILL ONLY USE THE EXACT SAME TIRE THAT CAME ON IT FROM FACTORY. THIS IS NOT IN ANY OF THE CAR INFORMATION OR OWNERS MANUAL. ANY OTHER TIRE USED CAUSES FRICTION ON THE WHEEL COVER CAUSING IT TO MOVE AND CUT THE TIRE VALVE. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE TIRE HAD GONE FLAT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT. LUCKILY, IT KEPT GOING FLAT AFTER IT WAS PARKED. I JUST HAD TWO MORE TIRES PUT ON, THE EXACT SAME ONES THAT CAME ON THE CAR STANDARD. WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *JB

Oct 24, 2005

ON 03/26/05, I PURCHASED BF GOODRICH TOURING T/A PRO SERIES (SIZE P205/65R15) FOR MY 2003 SONATA AT SAM'S CLUB. IN A MONTH AND A HALF, I HAD 4 FLAT TIRES AND 10 VALVES REPLACED BECAUSE THE HUB CAPS SPIN AND SLICE THE VALVES. I LOST 7.5 HOURS OF WORK AND RECEIVED A BACK INJURY WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE ONE OF THE TIRES. I'VE SPOKEN TO HYUNDAI AND BF GOODRICH - BOTH OF WHICH SUGGESTED GETTING THE H RATED TIRES INSTEAD OF THE S RATED. I DID THAT, BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. I ALSO PAID $75 FOR A DIAGNOSTICIAN TO TELL ME THAT I HAD THE WRONG BEAD ON THE TIRES BUT WHOM COULDN'T SUGGEST A SOLUTION. MY OWNERS MANUAL SIMPLY STATES, ALWAYS REPLACE YOUR TIRES WITH THOSE OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE LISTS THE TIRE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS AS P 205/65R15. THERE IS NO RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT BRAND NAMED AND NO MENTION ABOUT HAVING THE CORRECT SIZE BEADING. I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER AND LEARNED THAT THE BF GOODRICH TIRES HAVE A BEAD PROTECTANT WHICH CAUSE THE HUB CAPS TO REST DIRECTLY AGAINST MY TIRES THUS CAUSING THEM TO SPIN. THERE SHOULD BE A GAP BETWEEN THE HUBCAP AND TIRE. I SWITCHED TO A GOODYEAR TIRE AND HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEMS SINCE. THE PROBLEM WITH SLICING VALVE STEMS ONLY OCCURS ON THE 15 INCHES TIRES WITH HUBCAPS (AS OPPOSED TO THE 16 INCHES TIRES ON ALUMINUM WHEELS.)

Jun 02, 2005

CONSUMER INSISTED THIS VEHICLE QUALIFIED UNDER RECALL TO REPLACE THE CURRENT SPARE TIRE WITH A LARGER TIRE ALTHOUGH VIN DID MEET THE CRITERIA. MANUFACTURER TOLD CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE. *AK *LA

Apr 01, 2004

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

3 complaints

Airbag light came on and stays on. Pulled a code that pointed to the wiring in the passenger seat. Moved wiring around and made sure connectors were properly plugged and the light went away for maybe a week. Light is back on again. Removed seat bolts to gain better access, used tubing and electrical tape to straighten any kinked wiring I could find underneath passenger front seat, disconnected and reconnected connections. Airbag light blinked once and still remains on with the code still pointing to the passenger seat wiring. Apparently this issue has been reported many times in online forums with no meaningful response from the company though this clearly affects proper airbag deployment.

Jun 23, 2021

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, MEANING THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THEY WILL NOT DEPLOY. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. THIS IS APPARENTLY DUE TO WIRING UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT STRETCHING AND PINCHING FROM MOVING THE SEAT ITSELF AND WHEN THINGS ARE PLACED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT THAT MAY DISTURB THE WIRING. I KNOW IT IS THE WIRING UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO CHECKING THE TROUBLE CODE AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE ISSUE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS BY GINGERLY MOVING THE WIRES UNTIL THE LIGHT WENT AWAY. NOW I CAN'T GET THE LIGHT TO GO AWAY NO MATTER WHAT METHODS I TRY. CAN'T FIND A REPLACEMENT SET OF WIRES NOR CAN I LOCATE WHICH WIRE SPECIFICALLY IS BEING AFFECTED TO TRY TO FIX THE ISSUE MYSELF. I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF PEOPLE MAKING THIS SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. THIS NEEDS A RECALL SINCE THIS CAN EASILY LEAD TO DEATH SINCE THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY TO ATTEMPT SAVING METHODS TO PASSENGERS. LIGHT WAS ON FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG AND HAS BEEN ON FOR ME FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW.

Jun 06, 2018

AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME, PER HYUNDAI NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AS IT IS CAUSED BY THE CABLE AND HARNESS ASSEMBLY WHICH WEARS OUT. IT STARTED AS INTERMITTENT BUT NOW NEVER TURNS OFF. WHEN INTERMITTENT THEY SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED AS IT NEVER WAS ON WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. IT STARTED DURING THE NEW CAR WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT DID NOT REMAIN ON UNTIL IT WENT INTO EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEN THEY SAID IT WOULD COST BETWEEN 700 AND 1200 TO REPLACE, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH IT APPARENTLY DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY SAY IT IS A "MAINTENANCE ITEM", SUBJECT TO NORMAL WEAR SUCH AS WIPER BLADES. EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT EXPLICITLY STATES EVERY THING COVERED BY NEW CAR WARRANTY IS INCLUDED. CABLE AND HARNESS IS NOT IN THE LIST OF EXCLUDED OR MAINTENANCE COVERAGE. *TR

Apr 14, 2010

ENGINE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,922. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Feb 17, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POTAMKIN HYUNDAI (6200 NW 167TH ST, MIAMI LAKES, FL 33014, PHONE: (305) 728-5030), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Dec 05, 2017

STEERING,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Aug 01, 2018

MERGED INTO LEFT LANE ON HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH. CAR SPUN TO FACE OPPOSING WAY. HIT WALL ON PASSENGER SIDE, SPUN BACK AROUND AND WENT ACROSS HIGHWAY TO HIT OPPOSITE WALL. CAR HAD BEEN TOTALED AS I WALKED AWAY WITH. *TR

Jun 01, 2011

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS DURING BRAKING WITH A CLUNK. THE BRAKES ARE WEAK AT THAT POINT BUT RECOVER. I REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS A LOT. MY WIFE WON'T DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE.

Oct 27, 2017

Crash: 1

OVER THE PAST YEAR, WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS MY BRAKE PEDAL VERY SPORADICALLY WILL NOT DEPRESS. THE PEDAL IS SOLID AND WILL NOT MOVE/RESPOND FOR BETWEEN 1 AND RECENTLY UP TO ABOUT 6 SECONDS, WHICH IS A LIFETIME WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP A CAR AT 55 MPH. TWO AUTO SHOPS HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR AND CAN NOT RECREATE OR DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. BASED ON MY OWN RESEARCH, I FINALLY RESIGNED TO HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE MC HE NOTICED THAT THE VACUUM HOSE HAD A METAL CLAMP NEAR THE MC END AND THE CLAMP HAD SHIFTED DOWN THE HOSE. INSIDE THE HOSE, WHERE THE CLAMP HAD BEEN, THERE APPEARED TO BE A SPRING LOADED VALVE, POSSIBLY AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE, WHICH WAS NOW "LOOSE" IN THE HOSE. IT SEEMS THAT IF THE CLAMP IS IN FACT KEEPING THE VALVE IN PLACE AND IT SLOWLY DRIFTS OVERTIME THIS PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD ONLY APPEAR WITH OLDER CARS. ALSO, I'VE SEEN REPORTS ON INTERNET FORUMS WHERE OTHERS HAVE DESCRIBED THE SAME BRAKE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL LISTED FOR THIS ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY INCIDENTS NEED TO BE REPORTED BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN, BUT AS THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM I WOULD HOPE YOU TREAT IT WITH URGENCY AND INVESTIGATE IT FULLY. *TR

Dec 22, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

MY BACKUP LIGHTS, CORNERING LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR OF MY CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUSES ARE FINE AND THE BULBS ARE FINE. NOW I DO NOT HAVE ANY WORKING LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF MY CAR. *JS

Apr 30, 2012

RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY ON A 2003 HYUNDIA SONOTA. WONDER WHEN HYUNDIA IS GOING TO GET WITH THE SAFETY FEATURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS? AM NOW DRIVING AROUND WITH PARKING LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME.

Dec 13, 2002

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, RIB AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE TOW-YARD. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/16/11*LJ

Oct 19, 2011

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON US68, AN ONCOMING NORTHBOUND CONCRETE TRUCK TURNED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF US. WHEN WE HIT, THE PASSENGER'S SHOULDER HARNESS OF MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED TO "LOCK". I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DASH AND THEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DIRECTLY AGAINST MY CHEST. MY WIFE'S AIRBAG (SHE WAS DRIVING) DEPLOYED SLIGHTLY FASTER, BUT LATE ENOUGH THAT IT OPENED UNDER HER CHIN AND POPPED HER HEAD BACK. SHE HAS THREE DAMAGED DISKS IN HER NECK (TWO HERNIATED AND ONE BULGING). MY SHOULDER HARNESS WAS NO HELP, AND MY AIRBAG ACTUALLY INJURED ME BY FIRING LATE AND IN CONTACT WITH MY CHEST. MY WIFE'S AIRBAG, ALTHOUGH SLIGHTLY FASTER, CAUSED HER INJURY BY DEPLOYING SLOWLY. *NM

Nov 14, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN A DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Oct 11, 2011

DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD. CONSUMER WILL SET IT FOR 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND IT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO GO UP TO 85 MPH BEFORE THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT. THE SPEED INCREASED GRADUALLY, WHICH WAS WHY THE CONSUMER DID NOT NOTICE IT AT FIRST. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LEAST 6 TIMES, AND ALWAYS ON A LEVEL ROAD. IT HAPPENED IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS, AND AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD HIM HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO REPLACE IT. WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE OFF BY 5 MPH +/-. THE CONSUMER MECHANIC TO HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF BY 7 MPH BELOW THE SET SPEED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS WAS THE ONLY SAFETY ISSUE THE CONSUME HAS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHT. THE DEALER REPAIRED BOTH PROBLEMS. *NM

Aug 12, 2005

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

YOU CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK PASS HALF WITH OUT THE SMELL FILLING THE CAR .THE BACK SUSPENSION WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 TALES FROM SIDE TO SIDE .THE CAR WAS ON THE HIGHWAY .

Oct 05, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED AND THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,967.

Aug 11, 2016

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

03 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS (V6). DRIVING 55MPH HIT POTHOLE AND LOST STEERING. PULLED OVER, REMOVED RF WHEEL TO DISCOVER CONTROL ARM BOLTS RIPPED OUT OF THE SUBFRAME FROM RUST. HEARD ABOUT RECALL AND INVESTIGATED. CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL IN 2010 PASSED THEN AT DEALER IN MARLTON, NJ. WAITING FOR CALL BACK FROM DIFFERENT DEALER TO FIND OUT THE PROCEDURE TO FILE A CLAIM. DEALERS IN SE PA ARE NOT CUSTOMER ORIENTED SO MAKING COMPLAINT HERE TO DOCUMENT INCIDENT.

Apr 14, 2015

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

NO ACCIDENT, DEALER SAYS RECALL#09V124000 IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO ORIGINAL OWNER AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT,,,SOUNDS WRONG ?????? *TR

Dec 18, 2014

STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

IN 2005, I PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE FUEL VALVE THAT THE COMPANY HAD TO RE-INSTALL. THIS RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT ON MY CARFAX REPORT. LATER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD A RECALL ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES THAT PEELED AND CUT HANDS. THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO WRAP MY HANDLES WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE; AFTER MY OBJECTION, THEY INSTALLED THE SAME RECALLED HANDLES. I'VE HAD MY INTERIOR HANDLES REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DIDN'T MAKE THE HANDLES OUT OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL AND CHOOSES TO REINSTALL THE SAME RECALLED HANDLE. ON NOVEMBER 22ND, I WENT TO CAPITOL HYUNDAI TO HAVE THEM REPLACE THE RECALLED FUEL VALVE, AND INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. A SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT ONCE THE COMPANY REPLACES ANY RECALLED ITEMS THE FIRST TIME, IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR THEM IF THEY FAIL AGAIN. SURELY, THIS CANNOT BE CORRECT! RECALLS DO NOT EXPIRE AND AS LONG AS THE OWNER HAS THE VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER/DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF THEIR MATERIALS ARE CONTINUOUSLY FAILING TO MEET SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. WHAT ARE FOLKS MAKING PAYMENTS OR CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE NOW SUPPOSED TO DO? DRIVE AROUND IN A DANGEROUS VEHICLE? BE IT 1 TIME OR 1 MILLION TIMES, I WANT CAPITOL HYUNDAI TO INDEFINITELY HONOR THEIR RECALLS--AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR

Nov 24, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

MY NEIGHBORS INFORMED ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STUCK ON. ONE OF THEM RESEARCHED AND READ THAT IT MAY BE THE M48 STOP LAMP SWITCH. WE FOUND THE PLASTIC BACKING PORTION FROM THE CONTACT PLATE THAT PUSHES THE SWITCH IN. IT WAS BROKEN IN PIECES AND LAYING ON THE FLOOR MAT BELOW THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE REPLACED IT WITH SOMETHING THAT IS TEMPORARILY DOING THE JOB. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALER NEXT WEEK TO HAVE THIS FIXED. THEY WILL ALSO BE REPLACING MY GAS TANK THAT GOT PUNCTURED WHILE THEY WERE REPLACING THE VALVE-CANISTER CL, CANISTER ASSY., AND VALVE-PURGE CONTR. BACK IN FEB. 2014 WHEN I COULD NOT EASILY GET FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE FUEL ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS WELL FROM ALL OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET SEARCHING FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR HYUNDAI'S. *TR

Aug 29, 2014

STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WHEELS APPEARED TO BE ANGLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Aug 04, 2014

STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

PASSENGER SIDE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH. DRIVER SIDE IS FINE. RECALL # 089. *TR

Aug 02, 2014

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

VERY HEAVY RUST ON RIGHT SIDE ,THE SUB FRAME GAVE WAY AND RIPPED THE CV AXLE OUT OF ITS HOUSING. *TR

Jul 30, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

CAR QUITS RUNNING WHEN I PUT FUEL IN IT, I HAVE TRIED CHANGING FUEL PUMP ,FILTER NOTHING WORKS WAS GOIN DOWN THE FREEWAY CAR DIES FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAME SO CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WAS IN FAST MOVING LANE. SO I PULLED OVER AND TOOK AROUND 10 MIN, FINALLY STARTED. STOP ATGAS STATION TO FILL UP WITH GAS HAD TO SET FOR 30 MIN BEFORE MY CAR WOULD START , I NEED TO NO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT . *TR

May 07, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

METAL BRAKE LINES TO REAR BRAKES RUSTED OUT CAUSING BRAKES TO FAIL. *TT

Apr 15, 2014

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AT A STOP LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN THE VEHICLE. REPAIRS ARE $1349.00 REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. I NOTICED THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY WITH THESE VEHICLES, WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THE CHROME WEARS OFF THE DOOR HANDLE AND A RECALL IS ISSUED. SOMETHING IS ROTTEN HERE. *TR

Jun 03, 2013

Crash: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

ONE DAY, WHILE FUELING MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, THE PUMP CLICKED OFF AFTER 1 GALLON. FROM THEN ON, IT WOULDN'T LET ME FILL MORE THAN 1 OR 2 GALLONS WITHOUT CLICKING OFF. SINCE THAT DAY, THIS PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY TIME I REFILL AND EVERY TIME MY TANK IS NEAR EMPTY OR HALF EMPTY, SO I KNOW THAT'S NOT THE ISSUE. *TR

Dec 20, 2010

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I TRULY BELIEVE THE SAFETY OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY IS AT RISK AFTER FINDING OUT THAT THE DOOR LOCKS IN THE 2003 SONATA LX FAILED TO RESPOND TO SIGNALS FROM MY REMOTE. I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM ONE NIGHT AFTER LOCKING MY CAR AND THEN SENDING MY FRIEND TO RETRIEVE AN ITEM FROM THE VEHICLE. I FORGOT TO GIVE MY FRIEND THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE CAR AND AS A RESULT I WAS SURPRISED WHEN HE RETURNED WITH THE ITEM. I INQUIRED HOW HE DID THIS HIS RESPONSE WAS THE LEFT REAR DOOR WAS OPEN. UPON FURTHER INVESTIF=GATION AND ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE CAR WITH THE REMOTE IT WAS REALIZED THAT THE LOCK WAS NOT RESPONDING. THIS SITUATION WAS SCARY TO KNOW BECAUSE MY FAMILY DRIVES THE CAR AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND THIS CAN ENDANGER THEM IF SOMEONE COMES INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE THEY ARE AWAY FROM THE CAR. LIVING IN NY AND ENVIRONS MOST OF THE TIMES OUR CARS ARE PARKED ON THE STREET AND A PROSPECTIVE THIEF CAN ACCESS THE CAR EASILY. THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE LEFT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR AFTER MANY CALLS TO THE MANUFACTURER. I HAD TO PAY A REDUCED COST OF $50 TO GET IT FOXED AFTER HYUNDAI AGREED TO SUPPLY THE NECESSARY PART SINCE THE CAR HAD JUST CROSSED 60000 MILES/ 5 YEARS . THEY SAID THE REASON THE ACTUATOR BECOMES FAULTY IS THEIR INABILITY TO DISTRIBUTE CURRENT EVENLY TO THE SYSTEM. NOW THE RIGHT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR HAS BECOME FAULTY AT 70000 PLUS MILES AND BOTH PARTIES, THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI, REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGE TO BE A KNOWN AND POSSIBLE DEFECT IN THESE VEHICLES. THE DOOR NOW STAYS IN THE LOCK POSITION BUT AGAIN IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF I'M TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY....PLEASE ADVISE HYUNDAI TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT....AND REPLACE ALL DEFECTIVE ACTUATORS IN THEIR LINE OF VEHICLES. *TR

Feb 02, 2010

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,TIRES

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED 2 SETS OF NEW TIRES IN THE PAST 4 YEARS AND HAVE HAD ROUGHLY 15 FLAT TIRES. I ALSO MOST RECENTLY ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND MY 3 KIDS W/ HAVING THE TIRE ROD ALMOST CRACK. I HAD A BILL OF $385 TO HAVE JUST THAT ONE PART TO BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN ON HOLD FOR OVER AN HOUR NOW FOR THE RECALL NUMBER I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND NEED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MY TROUBLES AS THIS WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL LETTER I JUST RECEIVED. PLEASE CONTACT ME. *TR

Oct 06, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, AIRBAG HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS, NEVER DEPLOYED WHEN IN ACCIDENT, FIRST ISSUE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, SAID THEY HAD TO REWIRE IT, A FEW MONTHS LATER LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY TELL ME THE CIRCUIT MOTHERBOARD HAS CRASHED, COMPLETELY DISABLING THE AIRBAG. SECOND INCIDENT WAS WITH ALTERNATOR, LIGHT CONTINUED COMING ON, DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR. CAR EVENTUALLY BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC, ALTERNATOR HAD WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND IT WAS ONLY A FEW DAYS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I WAS FORCED TO COME OUT THE POCKET, NOW THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE. THE SHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAS FAILED AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR, AND I USE IT FOR TRANSPORTATION FROM SCHOOL AND WORK LOCALLY. *TR

Jan 08, 2009

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. HAD BOTH FRONT BRAKES REPLACED COSTING ABOUT $200. THEY STILL SQUEAK WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL , AND SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING. ALSO, PANT HAS COMPLETELY COME OFF THE DOOR HANDLES, AND THERE WAS RUST ON DIFFERENT SPOTS OF THE CAR HOOD. I HAD THE DOOR HANDLES REPLACED INSIDE THE CAR BECAUSE THE SILVER WAS PEELING, CAUSING US TO CUT OUR HANDS, BUT THAT DIDN'T COST ME ANYTHING. *AK

May 11, 2007

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN. CHROME IS PEELING FROM METAL INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES AT RANDOM SUCH THAT PASSENGER OR DRIVER WILL GRASP HANDLE TO OPEN DOOR AND SEVERAL LACERATIONS TO HANDS AND FINGERS WILL RESULT. LACERATIONS ARE DEEP ENOUGH TO RELEASE BLOOD. I WAS A DRIVER AND PASSENGER ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN SAME VEHICLE AND CUT RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS ON BOTH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. UPON FIRST ENCOUNTERING PEELING CHROME ON DRIVERS SIDE HANDLE, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AT 3675 SHERIDAN DRIVE AMHERST, NEW YORK (716) 835-8500. SAID DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE BUT DID NOT REPLACE ANY OTHERS. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHEN OPENING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON AUGUST 13, 2006, I CUT MY RIGHT HAND IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS RESULTING IN A RELEASE OF BLOOD. MY WIFE HAD ALSO CUT HER HAND ON THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE. APPARENTLY HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHICH IS A SAFETY RELATED MANUFACTURING DEFECT RESULTING FROM A DEFECTIVE PLATING / CLEANING PROCESS PRIOR TO PLATING. HYUNDAI HOWEVER, HAS NOT ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF ALL VEHICLES FOR THIS REASON. PLATING DEFECTS SUCH AS THIS ARE PROCESS RELATED AND WILL BE PRESENT IN THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES ASSEMBLED. I AM A EXPERIENCED QUALITY ENGINEER AND DIRECTOR AND AM KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE PLATING PROCESS. MY CLAIM IS BASED UPON THE FACT THAT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP MAINTAINS STOCK REPLACEMENT HANDLES AND OTHER CLAIMS POSTED ON WWW.EDMUNDS.COM AS FOLLOWS: CHROME ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEEL OFF AND CAUSES MAJOR CUTS ON HANDS WHEN OPENING DOOR. ... 03/10/2004, REVIEW OF A 2003 SONATA 4 CYLINDER SEDAN BY JBS... WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/USED/2003/HYUNDAI/SONATA/100188028/RATINGS_CONSUMER.HTML - 124K - CACHED - SIMILAR PAGES. *JB

Sep 07, 2006

Injuries: 2

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER'S HYUNDAI SONATA DEVELOPED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: THE PAINT WAS PEELING, THE SUN ROOF WAS BROKEN, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, THE BRAKES FAILED, THE SEATBELT BROKE, THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *MR THE ENGINE SURGED. AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE BLOWING, THE RIGHT SIDE DISINTEGRATED. *SC *JB

Jun 09, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

HUBCAPS ARE SLICING MY VALVE STEMS (HAD TO BUY THREE TIRES) AND PAINT ON BUMPER (WHICH TOOK THEM THREE TIMES TO MATCH) IS PEELING.*AK

Jan 14, 2004

2003 HYUNDAI Sonata Problems & Complaints

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